Abstract

Objectives Despite a growing body of literature, uncertainty regarding the influence of physician dress on patients’ perceptions exists.
Therefore, we performed a systematic review to examine the influence of physician attire on patient perceptions including
trust, satisfaction and confidence.

Results Of 1040 citations, 30 studies involving 11 533 patients met eligibility criteria. Included studies featured patients from
14 countries. General medicine, procedural (eg, general surgery and obstetrics), clinic, emergency departments and hospital
settings were represented. Preferences or positive influence of physician attire on patient perceptions were reported in 21
of the 30 studies (70%). Formal attire and white coats with other attire not specified was preferred in 18 of 30 studies (60%).
Preference for formal attire and white coats was more prevalent among older patients and studies conducted in Europe and Asia.
Four of seven studies involving procedural specialties reported either no preference for attire or a preference for scrubs;
four of five studies in intensive care and emergency settings also found no attire preference. Only 3 of 12 studies that surveyed
patients after a clinical encounter concluded that attire influenced patient perceptions.

Conclusions Although patients often prefer formal physician attire, perceptions of attire are influenced by age, locale, setting and
context of care. Policy-based interventions that target such factors appear necessary.

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